Unwrap the Perfect Fitness Gifts

Elevate Your Holiday with Thoughtful Presents for Wellness Enthusiasts!
(Updated November 2023)

The holiday season is just around the corner, and while the hustle and bustle might be in full swing, finding the ideal gift for your fitness-loving friends doesn't have to be a challenge. Whether you're a last-minute shopper or someone who prefers a clear boundary between Thanksgiving and the festive season, I've got you covered with a carefully curated list of gift ideas that cater to the wellness enthusiasts in your life.


In the year that redefined normalcy(cough 2020 cough), our priorities shifted, and our homes turned into fitness sanctuaries. This guide is your go-to for gifts that promote well-being, inspire self-care, and enhance workout routines. From versatile workout tools to athleisure essentials and mindful self-care options, there's something here for everyone seeking balance and vitality.

Elevate Home Workouts with Essential Tools

Foam Roller: 

Imagine having your personal masseuse at home, ready to relieve tension and knots in your muscles. That's the magic of a foam roller. As a fitness aficionado, you understand the importance of recovery. A foam roller becomes your ally in this journey, aiding in myofascial release. By massaging out tight spots in your muscles, it not only alleviates pain but also improves flexibility. Think of it as a tool that gives your muscles a reset, allowing them to move more freely and maximizing your workout gains. With regular use, a foam roller is like a passport to a more agile and flexible body. Incorporating it into your post-workout routine can make a significant difference in how your muscles feel and perform.

Resistance Loops:

Think of resistance loops as your portable gym. These unassuming bands might seem small, but they hold incredible potential. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting, resistance loops cater to all levels. They add a touch of challenge to your exercises, making every move count. Want to sculpt your glutes? Tone your legs? Strengthen your core? Resistance loops are your answer. These bands allow you to engage muscles that might have been dormant during your regular routines. Plus, they're travel-friendly, making it easy to maintain your fitness routine no matter where life takes you. As you stretch and pull against the resistance, your muscles respond, helping you achieve a balanced and strong body.

Glider Discs:

Have you ever wished to take your Pilates reformer with you? Glider discs make this dream a reality. As a Pilates lover, you're well aware of the transformative power of controlled movements. Glider discs offer that same fluidity and precision on a different scale. They enhance your core strength, stability, and coordination. With glider discs, your mat workouts become more dynamic. These unassuming discs challenge your control as you slide through movements, engaging muscles in ways you might not have experienced before. Your plank becomes more intense, your leg work more targeted, and your overall stability more refined. Incorporating glider discs into your routine can inject a fresh challenge, ensuring that your Pilates practice continues to evolve.

Bala Bangles:

Your Pilates sessions are all about controlled movements and mindful engagement. Bala Bangles complement this philosophy beautifully. These stylish ankle weights add a layer of challenge, inviting you to deepen your mind-body connection. As you flow through your Pilates routine, Bala Bangles infuse a touch of resistance, encouraging your muscles to work harder. Whether it's leg lifts, sidekicks, or inner thigh presses, these weights elevate the intensity while maintaining the integrity of each movement. Plus, they're versatile enough to be used in various exercises, enhancing both mat and standing routines. Bala Bangles seamlessly integrate into your practice, giving you the power to fine-tune your workouts according to your goals.

Incorporating these essential tools into your home workouts extends beyond mere equipment. They become your allies, transforming your routine from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're targeting specific muscle groups, enhancing stability, or seeking to optimize recovery, these tools cater to your fitness aspirations. With each repetition, you're working towards a more balanced and dynamic physique, enriching your fitness journey one movement at a time. Remember, these tools aren't just about the exercises you do; they're about the progress you make, the strength you build, and the confidence you gain in your own abilities.

Athleisure that Reflects Your Lifestyle

As a fitness instructor I am always getting asked what my favorite leggings are and let me tell you I have some high standards. Not only do they need to feel comfortable and not roll down for my Pilates practice, they also need to keep up with my cardio and strength training as well. The following two brands have been able to do just that.

ColorfulKoala: Amazon has some REALLY great finds on a budget. I ordered some of these at the beginning of quarantine when I wanted to update my workout wardrobe but didn’t want to spend $100 on one pair of lulus since I wasn’t working and was pleasantly surprised. Ranging around $30 they have fun prints, hug in all the right places for a flattering fit, as well as stay in place during the movements of your workout. I am happy to report that they are STILL holding up strong!

Tavi Noir Leggings:

These are on the high end of the legging price scale but I think they are totally worth it. I wore their ebony black high rise leggings while I was training for my half marathon and they held up so well. The only downside for running is that they don’t have side pockets to hold your gels. Since launching their athletic apparel line in 2020 they have also branched out to include more styles of leggings that I haven’t yet tried but I will say that I LOVE their biker shorts. I don’t know why but I feel like basic/solid print leggings from other brands always lack quality. They never tend to be as durable and I find myself replacing them often because after a few washes they tend to not pass the squat test anymore. However, if you are looking for a high quality, durable pair of black leggings these are your go to.

When it comes to athleisure, it's not just about looking stylish; it's about finding gear that perfectly aligns with your active lifestyle. As a fitness enthusiast, you know that outdoor activities like running and hiking require specialized accessories to enhance both your performance and comfort.

Adventure & Sporty Ponyback Hat:

Stay active while keeping your hair in check. This innovative hat features a magnetic vertical seam, allowing you to wear your ponytail or bun comfortably. Whether you're hitting the trails or jogging in the park, this hat offers convenience and style. Hats are not just a fashion statement; they are essential for safeguarding you from the elements during your outdoor workouts. Running or hiking under the sun's rays can expose you to harmful UV radiation. Wearing a hat with a brim provides much-needed shade to your face, shielding you from sunburn and potential skin damage. This protection becomes even more crucial during long outdoor sessions.

(use code LAURAMELGARFITNESS for a discount at checkout)

Goodr Sunglasses:

Another essential accessory for outdoor activities like running is a reliable pair of sunglasses. This is where goodr sunglasses come into play. These sunglasses aren't just stylish; they are designed with the active individual in mind. They feature polarized lenses that help reduce glare, providing clear vision even on the sunniest days. This reduces eye strain and allows you to focus solely on your run, enhancing both your performance and safety.Just like your skin, your eyes are susceptible to UV radiation. goodr sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from potential damage during your outdoor runs. With a wide range of colors and styles, goodr sunglasses allow you to express your personality while staying focused on your fitness goals.

Nurturing Mindfulness and Self-Care

In the realm of fitness and well-being, self-care is not a luxury; it's an essential practice that nurtures your body, mind, and soul. As you explore gift ideas for your loved ones (or yourself), consider the powerful impact of self-care essentials. These thoughtful gifts go beyond the material, conveying a message of love and care for one's overall well-being. Let's delve into some self-care options that can truly make a difference in your wellness journey.

Self-Care Kit: 

Curating a self-care kit is like giving the gift of relaxation. Combine soothing bath salts, luxurious body washes, aromatic candles, and indulgent face masks to create a spa-like experience at home. Self-care rituals like these provide an opportunity to unwind, release stress, and reconnect with yourself.

Calming Subscriptions: 

In a fast-paced world, the gift of a calming subscription can be a true blessing. Whether it's a mindfulness app, a guided meditation program, or a subscription box filled with teas and relaxation tools, these subscriptions offer regular doses of tranquility, helping you navigate life's challenges with greater ease.

Theragun:

In the realm of self-care, the Theragun is a true game-changer. This innovative device brings the benefits of percussive therapy to your fingertips, offering a deep tissue massage experience like no other. Intense workouts can leave your muscles feeling tight and fatigued. The Theragun's percussive therapy targets specific muscle groups, alleviating tension and promoting recovery. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, athlete, or simply dealing with muscle discomfort, the Theragun can be your go-to solution. Personally I use this “off-brand” version below and love it!

Whether you're searching for a practical workout tool, stylish activewear, or an invitation to mindfulness, this gift guide ensures that the wellness enthusiasts on your list feel truly valued. Remember, it's the thought behind the gift that matters most. Each item is a reminder that their well-being matters, and their journey towards balance and vitality is supported and celebrated.

If you're eager to explore the full range of recommendations for topics like:

Gifts for Runners

Books for Runners

Books for Her

Books to Crush 2024

Gifts for Her

Gifts for Him

Then my 2023 Holiday Survival Gift Guide was made just for you. Request it below and get a copy delivered to your inbox.

You can also find my amazon favorites here : www.amazon.com/shop/laura.melgar.fitness

This holiday season, let's spread the joy of well-being and cherish the gift of health together.

Laura Melgar


Hi! I’m Laura Melgar, a San Diego based Pilates Instructor + Personal Trainer. I help men and women bounce back from injury so they can do more of what they love: running, rock climbing, hiking, and living life to the fullest without injuries.

I’ve recovered from several surgeries (including a hip labral tear repair from playing rugby) and went from being medically told to give up my active hobbies to becoming a half marathoner.

Outside of fitness I am a dog mom, I love video games and adventuring & traveling with my husband.

My goal is to help you rebuild confidence in your body's movement, improve your strength, and help reduce your pain.

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